The microstructural characteristics, mechanical properties and creep resistance of Mg-(8%-12%) Zn-(2%-6%) A1 alloys were investigated to get a better overall understanding of these series alloys. The results indicate that the microstructure of the alloys ZA82, ZA102 and ZA122 with the mass ratio of Zn to A1 of 4-6 is mainly composed of a-Mg matrix and two different morphologies of precipitates (block τ-Mg32(Al, Zn)49 and dense lamellar ε-Mg51Zn20), the alloys ZA84, ZA104 and ZA124 with the mass ratio of 2-3 contain α-Mg matrix and only block r phases, and the alloys ZA86, ZA106 and ZA126 with the mass ratio of 1-2 consist of a-Mg matrix, block r precipitates, lamellar Ф-Al2Mg5Zn2 eutectics and flocculent β-Mg17Al12 compounds. The alloys studied with the mass ratio of Zn to A1 of 2-3 exhibit high creep resistance, and the alloy ZA124 with the continuous network of r precipitating along grain boundaries shows the highest creep resistance.